Music is my refuge.

If I want to change my mood, music is my go-to, never fail trick.

So, I was excited to hear from my friend, Keith Serry, that he had started a new podcast called The Volume Knob to tell stories of the songs that saved your life.

There are dozens of songs I can think of that have lifted me up when I was down or that echo in my mind reminding me of bygone eras.

Play the song “September” by Erin, Wind and Fire, and I’m back at law school in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Play “Alone” by Heart, and I’m 15 years old singing at the top of my lungs brokenhearted in my bedroom in Bradford, Ontario.

We even have a law firm theme song “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree that we play when I’m feeling low and wondering whether I’m making the right choices. It gives me the chutzpah to keep moving forward.

Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears

Stand up and be counted
Don’t be ashamed to cry

You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser, you gotta be hard
You gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day